Date/Place of Birth:
April 24, 1946 at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Residency in Alaska:
Alaska: 1969 - 1988
Wasilla: 1988 - present

Occupation:
Building maintenance and construction contractor.

Family:
Wife: Gayle
Children: Matt, April, Zach and five grandchildren.

Education:
Central High School, Superior, Wisconsin, Graduated in 1964.
University of Wisconsin, Superior - B.S. Degree (Broad Field Science Major and minors in Math and Physics) with Alaska secondary teacher certification in 1986
USAF Pilot training, Del Rio, Texas in 1971.

Military:
Alaska Air National Guard, C-123J pilot after USAF Pilot training at Del Rio, Texas 1971-75.

Other Political and Government Positions:
Citizens Advisory Commisson on Federal Areas: October 2007 - present
Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education: December 2007 - present
Chief of Staff for Alaska Senator Fred Dyson: January 1999 - July 2007
Staff Chair, National Conference of State Legislatures Standing Education Committee: August 2006 - July 2007
Co-Chair, Legislative Education Staff Network Executive Committee: August 2006 - July 2007

Business and Professional Positions:
1992 - 1999: Licensed and bonded residential building contractor. A sole proprietor family business building custom homes, as well as performing remodeling and maintenance contracts.

1991 - 1992: Oilfield hand for Schlumberger Oilfield Services performing well-head maintenance and heavy equipment operation.

1987 - 1990: Training Center administrator for the Alaska Teamsters Training Center at Ship Creek. In prior years performed numerous maintenance and building contracts around rural Alaska.

Special Interests:
Hunting, fishing, flying, boating, hobby auto body and carpentry.